Time to invest in ‘metros’ for better realty returns

MUMBAI: Many investment experts believe that real estate investors could be in for a good time in the coming year. "It is a good time to invest in the real estate space. If you are getting a good entry price, you should definitely invest during the period between January and the monsoon of 2014," says Sanjay Dutt, executive managing director, Cushman & Wakefield. Some are asking their clients to consider investing before the general elections next year. If you are sitting on money for a long time and convinced enough to take the plunge, it is time to go for location hunting.

According to property advisors, the metro cities should be top-most on your list of preferences. "We are always bullish on the metros. These are the cities which generate job opportunities and as a result, the land values go up," says Lalit Jain, chairman of developer's association Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (Credai). "In any city, look for characteristics that are rare. Any location that is not plagued by bad infrastructure like congestion will always see appreciation," says Jain.

MUMBAI/NAVI MUMBAI

In the financial capital, locations that real estate experts favour range from South Mumbai to Ulwe in Navi Mumbai. "We recommend the relatively affordable destination of Ulwe as we expect the prices to double in close to three years' time," says Samantak Das, chief economist and director, research, Knight Frank India. The property consultancy firm had identified Chembur and Wadala as locations where prices will double in nearly four years and according to Das, it continues to hold on to its view. Dutt of C&W feels that Bandra-Kurla Complex and Lower Parel are the destinations one should look at investing in Mumbai. Lalit Jain says he is betting on South Mumbai and locations in the vicinity of BKC.

NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

In the National Capital Region, Noida extension and Dwarka Expressway find a place in Knight Frank's recommendations. The consultancy firm's report last year indicated that the prices in these locations could double in nearly four-and-a-half years. Golf Course Road is another location to watch out for, according to C&W.

While the city as a whole, being the IT hub, offers good opportunities, Knight Frank is bullish on Hebbal and KR Puram. By 2017, Hebbal could see an appreciation of 94%, while the latter's valuation will grow by 91%, it says.

CHENNAI

In Chennai, prices in Medavakkam and Pallikaranai could double in nearly five to five-and-a-half years' time, says Das.

HYDERABAD

The only factor affecting the cyber city's attractiveness as an investment destination is the Telangana logjam. "Due to the lack of clarity, the geopolitical risk is very high in the city. Otherwise, Hyderabad scores over Bangalore and Chennai.

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